Updated with new pictures: The driver responsible for hijacking a cab and crashing into a utility pole on Union Square West early Sunday morning has reportedly been arrested 15 times in New York City since 2007, when he moved from Pasadena, CA. Michael Findley, 31, was charged with robbery, reckless endangerment, driving while impaired by alcohol, grand larceny, disobeying a red light, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and speeding for his escapades, which landed him in Bellevue Hospital with minor injuries. And apparently it all started over fried rice.
Driver Mohammed Latif picked up Findley on the Bowery, and began driving him to the West Village, However, Findley was reportedly "sloppy" drunk, spilling fried rice all over the cab and telling his friend over his cell phone that he had no cash. Latif began arguing with Findley, and soon pulled over on East Houston and Lafayette Street and told him to get out. Findley then went around to the driver's side and punched Latif, shoved him into the shotgun seat and began driving.
Latif said, "He was driving in zigzags. I was scared. I tried to cool him down. I told him I'd take him wherever he wanted to go." He jumped out of the cab as they were stopped near Mercer Street. A cop then reportedly saw Findley turn the wrong way up Mercer Street, turned on his lights and followed him until he crashed into the light pole. Findley's other arrests include everything from trespassing at the Plaza Hotel to burglary.
About ten minutes after Findley's crash, a 28-year-old man on the other side of Union Square was struck by driver who fled the scene. He is currently in critical condition.
